Today marks the 20th observance of World AIDS Day, an annual worldwide event established to increase awareness and education of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Saline Nasal Irrigation More Effective than Spray for Chronic Sinus Symptoms
November 29, 2007 | by
According to a new study in the latest issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, saline irrigation treatments show greater efficacy versus saline spray for providing short-term relief of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms.
In the United States, 29.5 million people 18 years of age and older are affected by sinusitis [1]. Millions more are affected by other types of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (meaning irritation and inflammation of the mucosal membrane of the nose). Some people can reduce symptom severity using medication, including antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for acute and chronic sinusitis. However, their use far outweighs the predicted incidence of bacterial infection, suggesting that antibiotics are overprescribed for sinus infections. Regardless of the medication used however, for many patients, symptoms persist.
New Common Cold Virus Variant Deadly
November 26, 2007 | by
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a new virulent strain of the common cold virus, adenovirus, has caused 10 deaths over the last 18 months [1]. The virus, identified as adenovirus serotype 14 (Ad14), is a rarely reported strain of adenovirus that can cause severe and even fatal respiratory illness. It’s unusual since adenoviruses typically cause non-lethal infections. According the the CDC report:
The cases described in this report are unusual because they suggest the emergence of a new and virulent Ad14 variant that has spread within the United States.
Indeed, between the months of March-June 2007, Ad14 caused at least 140 respiratory illnesses in three states; Oregon, Texas and Washington [1]. More than 50 of those patients were hospitalized, including 24 who were admitted to intensive care units. Nine of those patients died, most from severe pneumonia. People of all ages have been affected, including healthy young adults, typically the group least susceptible.
Tryptophan, Trust and the Thanksgiving Turkey
November 22, 2007 | by
After feasting on your Thanksgiving dinner today, a specific word may come to mind: tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in high levels in turkey. The main reason for the association between tryptophan and drowsiness is that tryptophan is a chemical precursor to melatonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating the circadian cycle, the regular changes in mental and physical characteristics that occur over the course of 24 hours. Indeed, purified tryptophan is a mild sleep-inducing agent [1].
The Link Between Biology and Energy
November 18, 2007 | by
We’ve talked previously about bioethanol and its impact on health. According to Juan Enriquez, Chairman and CEO of Biotechonomy, a life sciences research and investment firm, and a member of the management team at Synthetic Genomics, a company dedicated to commercializing synthetic genomic processes and naturally occurring processes for alternative energy solutions, bioethanol is not bioenergy.
